Let's Talk About Your Home Goals
Share what you're trying to accomplish. We'll review your situation and call you within 24 hours to explore your options together.
Or call us directly at (908) 698-0150
Talk to Jimmy's TeamNMLS #1577754 | Licensed Mortgage Broker
Let's Talk About Your Home Goals
Share a few details about what you're trying to accomplish. Our team will review your situation and hop on a call to explore your options—no pressure, no jargon, just honest guidance.
Here's what happens:
You tell us a bit about your situation
We call you within 24 hours to discuss your options
We guide you through your options with clarity and honesty
Trusted by thousands of homeowners across Northern NJ
4
States Served
120+
Cities Covered
30+
Years Experience
NMLS #1577754 | Licensed Mortgage Broker | Jimmy Joseph MBA NMLS #1577754
Secure & Fast Response Guaranteed
Serving 120+ Cities Across 4 States
Whether you're buying your first home, refinancing, or exploring home equity options, we've got personalized mortgage solutions across New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Ohio.
New Jersey
Bergen, Essex, Morris, Union, Passaic & Hudson Counties
New York
Westchester, Rockland, Erie, Monroe & Suffolk Counties
Connecticut
Fairfield, Hartford & New Haven Counties
Ohio
Cuyahoga & Franklin Counties
Ready to find your perfect mortgage? Explore your state below or speak with a loan officer.
Why Choose Jimmy Joseph MBA
Personal service meets national resources
Personal Service, Not Algorithms
Direct access to Jimmy Joseph MBA. Get human guidance backed by advanced business education, custom loan strategies, and dedicated communication throughout your home buying journey.
Bergen County Specialist
Local knowledge of all 70 municipalities, neighborhood dynamics, school districts, and market conditions. Navigate Bergen County real estate with confidence and insider expertise.
National Lender Backing
CMG Home Loans provides competitive rates, cutting-edge technology, and comprehensive loan programs. Personal service backed by institutional strength and proven reliability.
FHA • Conventional • VA
Approved Loan Products
3-Min
Digital Pre-Approval
1-on-1
Personal Service
What Our Clients Say
Real experiences from Bergen County homeowners who trusted us with their mortgage needs
Lathea
"We are incredibly grateful for the outstanding service we received from Jimmy during our mortgage process. From the moment we reached out, it was clear that he genuinely cared about our needs and provided invaluable guidance every step of the way."
Mary Nketia
"I will highly recommend Jimmy… he is patient and explain everything in a way I understood. Jimmy helped me find mortgage option for my situation and was always available to answer my questions. He made the entire mortgage process smooth and stress-free. Thank you!"
Omotola Ayo-banji
"Jimmy is a very patient man. He's very easy to work with and breaks down everything for you. Despite different challenges we had, he never gave up and always find a solution. Thank you so much Jimmy. I highly recommend him."
Bishoi Nageh
Local Guide
"Jimmy has a great work ethic. We have discussed on several occasions how to properly give clients all their options. His vested interest is in each client and you can tell from the first phone call."
See all our reviews on Google
Read More Google ReviewsYour Path to Homeownership
Simple, transparent, and designed around you
Get Pre-Approved
Quick 3-minute application, no hard credit check
Find Your Home
Browse with confidence knowing your budget
Underwriting
We handle the paperwork and communicate every step
Close & Celebrate
Keys in hand, welcome home
Takes just 3 minutes • No impact on credit score
Loan Programs Tailored to You
Whether you're buying your first home or refinancing, we have the right loan for you
Conventional Loans
Low down payment options, competitive rates
FHA Loans
As low as 3.5% down, flexible credit requirements
VA Loans
$0 down for eligible veterans and military
USDA Loans
100% financing in eligible rural areas
Jumbo Loans
For high-value properties in Bergen County
Refinance
Lower your rate or tap into your home's equity
HELOC
Access your home's equity when you need it
203K Renovation Loan
Turn the house you like into the home you love
HomeReady Loan
Flexible funding with down payments as low as 3%
Home Possible
More possibilities with down payments as low as 3%
Reverse Mortgage
Available for homeowners ages 62+
HomeFundIt
Gifts from family and friends fund your down payment
All In One Loan
Get financial flexibility and pay off your home loan faster
HomeStyle® Renovation
Low down payments, big possibilities
Today's Loan Programs
Competitive options for every homebuyer in Bergen County
Important: Rates change daily and vary based on credit score, loan amount, property type, and other factors. Contact us for your personalized rate quote.
Conventional Loans
Great credit and stable income
- Lower down payment options
- Competitive terms
- Various term lengths
FHA Loans
First-time buyers welcome
- 3.5% down payment
- Flexible credit requirements
- Government-backed
VA Loans
Veterans and active military
- $0 down payment
- No PMI required
- Competitive terms
Jumbo Loans
High-value properties
- Luxury home financing
- Flexible terms
- Portfolio lending
Get Your Personalized Rate Quote
Rates are highly personalized based on your unique financial profile. Let's find the best option for your situation.
Available Monday-Saturday 9am-7pm EST
Quick Pre-Approval
Get approved in minutes, not days
Loan Programs
Find the perfect fit for you
Bergen County Expert
Know the neighborhoods inside out
Mortgage Calculators
Make informed decisions with our free mortgage calculators
Mortgage Affordability Calculator
Discover how much home you can afford based on your income, debts, and down payment
Refinance Calculator
Calculate potential savings from refinancing your mortgage with current rates
Home Equity Loan Calculator
Calculate how much you can borrow against your home equity and estimate monthly payments
Rent vs Buy Calculator
Compare the costs of renting versus buying to make the right housing decision
Extra Payment Calculator
See how much you can save by making extra mortgage payments
Mortgage Recast Calculator
Calculate savings from recasting your mortgage with a lump sum payment
Frequently Asked Questions
Expert answers about mortgages in Bergen County & Northern NJ
Why choose a local mortgage broker in Bergen County over a big bank?
Local Bergen County mortgage brokers like Jimmy Joseph with 15+ years of experience offer personalized service, faster responses, and access to 20+ lenders vs. one bank's limited options. We understand Northern NJ's unique real estate market, property tax rates in towns like Ridgewood, Montclair, and Summit, and work directly with local real estate agents and attorneys to ensure smooth closings.
How quickly can I get pre-approved for a mortgage in Bergen County?
Our online pre-approval takes just 3 minutes to complete. You'll receive an initial response immediately. A full pre-approval letter with verified documentation typically takes 24-48 hours. For competitive Bergen County markets like Glen Rock, Wyckoff, or Franklin Lakes, we offer rush processing to help you make strong offers quickly.
What credit score do I need to buy a home in Bergen County NJ?
Minimum credit scores vary by loan program. FHA loans accept scores as low as 580 (or 500 with 10% down). Conventional loans typically require 620+, while VA and USDA loans generally need 580-620. For Bergen County's competitive markets and higher-priced homes, scores of 680+ typically unlock the best rates. We can review your credit and recommend strategies to improve your score if needed.
How much down payment do I need for a home in Bergen County?
Down payment requirements in Bergen County range from 0% to 20% depending on the loan program and property price. VA and USDA loans offer 0% down. FHA requires 3.5%. Conventional loans can go as low as 3% for first-time buyers. For Bergen County's median home price of $650,000-$850,000, we typically recommend 10-20% down to avoid PMI and secure competitive rates, but we can work with lower down payments.
What are typical property taxes in Bergen County and how do they affect my mortgage?
Bergen County property tax rates range from 1.89% to 3.12% depending on the town. For example, Ridgewood averages 2.68%, Montclair 2.89%, and Franklin Lakes 2.45%. On a $750,000 home in Montclair, annual property taxes would be approximately $21,675 ($1,806/month). These taxes are included in your monthly PITI (Principal, Interest, Taxes, Insurance) payment and significantly impact affordability. Our mortgage calculator factors in exact tax rates for 70+ Northern NJ cities.
Do you offer jumbo loans for high-value homes in Bergen County?
Yes! Bergen County has many luxury markets like Saddle River, Alpine, and Franklin Lakes where homes exceed conventional loan limits ($766,550 in 2024). We specialize in jumbo mortgages for properties up to $5 million+. Jumbo loans typically require 10-20% down, credit scores of 700+, and additional cash reserves, but offer competitive rates for well-qualified borrowers in Northern NJ's premium markets.
What loan programs are available for first-time homebuyers in New Jersey?
New Jersey first-time buyers have excellent options: FHA loans (3.5% down), Conventional 97 (3% down), HomeReady and Home Possible (3% down, income limits apply), VA loans (0% down for veterans), and NJHMFA programs offering down payment assistance grants up to $22,000. We also connect clients with county-specific programs in Bergen, Essex, Morris, and Union counties. First-time buyer status applies if you haven't owned a home in 3+ years.
Can I use an FHA 203(k) renovation loan to buy a fixer-upper in Bergen County?
Absolutely! FHA 203(k) renovation loans are perfect for Bergen County's older housing stock in towns like Teaneck, Hackensack, or Englewood where many homes need updates. You can finance both the purchase price and renovation costs (up to $35,000 for limited 203(k), unlimited for standard 203(k)) in a single mortgage. This lets you buy in competitive Bergen County markets at lower prices and customize the home to your preferences.
How long does it take to close on a home in Bergen County?
Typical closing timelines in Bergen County range from 30-45 days from contract acceptance. New Jersey requires attorney involvement which can add 5-7 days compared to other states. We work closely with local Bergen County attorneys, title companies, and real estate agents to expedite the process. For competitive situations in hot markets like Ridgewood or Montclair, we can accommodate 21-day closings when needed.
What are closing costs in Bergen County and can the seller pay them?
Bergen County closing costs typically range from 2-5% of the loan amount and include: attorney fees ($1,500-$2,500 in NJ), title insurance, appraisal ($600-$800), origination charges, NJ mansion tax (1% on homes over $1M), recording fees, and prepaid taxes/insurance. Seller concessions ARE allowed: FHA allows up to 6%, Conventional 3-9% depending on down payment, VA up to 4%. In competitive Bergen County markets, seller concessions may be harder to negotiate but are worth requesting.
Have more questions? Get personalized answers from a licensed mortgage professional.
Expert Mortgage Resources
Comprehensive guides and tools to help you navigate your home financing journey
Home Equity Agreements
Explore innovative home equity solutions across Bergen, Essex, Morris, Union, Passaic, and Hudson Counties
First-Time Home Buyers Guide
Complete guide to buying your first home in New Jersey with expert mortgage advice
Refinancing Guide
Comprehensive 8,851-word guide to refinancing your mortgage and saving thousands
The Mortgage Process Made Simple
From pre-approval to keys in hand, here's what to expect every step of the way
Pre-Approval
Complete our 3-minute application and receive your pre-approval letter. This shows sellers you're a serious buyer.
House Hunting
Search for your dream home with confidence. Your pre-approval letter gives you negotiating power in competitive markets.
Purchase Contract
Found your home? Make an offer and negotiate terms. We'll review the contract and ensure your financing aligns with the timeline.
Loan Processing
Submit final documentation. We'll order your appraisal, verify employment, and prepare your file for underwriting.
Underwriting
An underwriter reviews your application for final approval. We'll address any conditions quickly to keep things moving.
Clear to Close
You've received final approval! Review your Closing Disclosure, wire your down payment, and schedule your closing date.
Closing Day
Sign your documents, receive your keys, and celebrate! You're officially a homeowner. Welcome home!
Average Timeline: 30-45 Days
Most home purchases close within 30-45 days. I'll keep you informed at every step and work to meet your target closing date.
Mortgage Insights & Expert Advice
Stay informed with the latest mortgage news, tips, and strategies from Bergen County's trusted mortgage advisor
50-Year Mortgages: Game Changer or Debt Trap for NJ Homebuyers?
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$40 Million Available: New Jersey's Down Payment Assistance Program 2025/2026 Guide
Complete guide to NJ's $40M down payment assistance program for first-time homebuyers. Eligibility, application timeline, and how to get up to $50K+ in free down payment help in 2025-2026.
Should I Buy a Home in 2025? Complete Readiness Assessment Guide
Discover if you're ready to buy a home in 2025 with our comprehensive readiness assessment. Expert guidance on financial preparation, market timing, and 20 common questions answered for first-time buyers in Bergen County and Northern NJ.
How to Prepare Financially for Buying a Home (2025 Complete Guide)
Master the financial preparation for buying your first home in 2025. Expert strategies for improving credit, saving for down payment, reducing debt, and getting pre-approved. Complete 6-12 month action plan for Northern NJ home buyers.